Jakarta (ANTARA) - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) expressed gratitude that the values of harmony and tolerance continue to be well-preserved in Indonesia.

"In this modern era, there is still war; sometimes we wonder how, in this new modern civilization, war still exists," he observed at the Indonesian Association of Religious Harmony Forum (AFKUBI) at the State Palace in the new capital, Nusantara, East Kalimantan, on Wednesday.

During the event, which was broadcast on the Presidential Secretariat's YouTube channel, Jokowi noted the ongoing conflicts between Russia and Ukraine, the Israel-Palestine conflict, and the recent Israel-Hezbollah strikes.

He emphasized that these conflicts demonstrate the importance of harmony and tolerance for any country, and Indonesia should be grateful that these two values are well-preserved in the nation.

"Amid the wars in Ukraine, Palestine, and now in Lebanon, unity, harmony, and tolerance are invaluable," he said. "We should be thankful that in Indonesia, these values are still maintained very well."

He also praised AFKUBI for its contributions to fostering harmony and tolerance among religious communities in the country.

"AFKUBI is a valuable heritage of our nation that we must cultivate and fight for together by prioritizing dialogue, instilling tolerance from an early age, and promoting religious moderation," Jokowi stated.

He expressed appreciation to AFKUBI for maintaining a peaceful and harmonious atmosphere in Indonesia.

"Next, let us continue to uphold this conducive situation," he added.

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Translator: Benardy F, Kenzu
Editor: Anton Santoso
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